Iranian foreign minister lauds diplomat’s steadfastness during illegal imprisonment in Belgium

Iran's foreign minister has lauded the steadfastness and firm resolve of an Iranian diplomat, who was recently released after spending about five years in Belgian and German prisons on false "terror-related" charges.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks during a Saturday meeting at the Iranian Foreign Ministry with Assadollah Assadi, who returned home after years of illegal imprisonment.

In June 2018, Belgian authorities said the country’s police had intercepted a car carrying homemade explosives, claiming that the Iranian diplomat handed the material to two people in Belgium. He was accused of plotting an attack against the anti-Iran Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MKO) terrorist cult, a claim that has been strongly rejected by Iranian authorities.

A Belgian court then sentenced the diplomat, who served as the third counselor at Iran's Embassy in Vienna, to 20 years in prison.

Who is Asadollah Assadi and what was the case against him in Belgium

Apart from the fact that the case built against Asadollah Assadi was a fairy tale in terms of legalities, the question arises - what would Iran gain by attacking a dying terror cult?

According to legal experts, the case was based on sham and unsubstantiated charges and smacked of political propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

Throughout his plight, Iran invariably protested and condemned the violation of Assadi's diplomatic immunity and tried hard to secure his freedom.

Earlier this year, an agreement was reached through Oman's mediation to release Assadi following negotiations between Amir-Abdollahian and his Belgium counterpart.

Diplomat’s release from Belgium prison victory for Iranians: Government official

Assadollah Assadi has arrived in Iran after five years of imprisonment following an Omani-brokered deal.

Speaking to Assadi, Amir-Abdollahian welcomed his return to the country "with his head held high," while hailing his perseverance, patience, and dignified conduct during his illegal imprisonment.

“Following illegal imprisonment and [leveling of] baseless accusations against our country’s diplomat and blatant violation of the Vienna Convention, the Islamic Republic of Iran's government, diplomatic apparatus and the Judiciary did all in their power and took logical and categorical positions and steps. Fortunately, today, we see that these efforts have been fruitful and [we] witness your presence in the country,” Iran's top diplomat said.  

For his part, Assadi offered a brief account of his incarceration first in Germany and then in Belgian prisons, expressing his gratitude towards the Iranian officials for their diligent and effective efforts at security his freedom.

Assadollah Assadi released from prison in Belgium, on way home: Iran FM

Iran’s foreign minister says Assadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat detained in Belgium on false terror-related charges, has been released after an Omani-brokered deal and is on his way back to his home country.

The diplomat, meanwhile, said the efforts made by the Iranian government, diplomatic apparatus and the Judiciary, helped "thwart Zionists' and terrorists' plots, which were aimed at achieving their illegitimate goals."

Amir-Abdollahian also reacted to Assadi’s release through a Twitter post, saying the jailed diplomat has been finally reunited with his friends and colleagues at the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

“I am happy with his return, but signs of suffering and imprisonment on his frail and weakened body were very hurtful,” Iran's top diplomat said.

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